Steering Wheel Alignment Tool with Low-Gravity Anchor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering wheel alignment tools with complex components and high center of gravity often inadvertently rotate the steering wheel out of position and restrict its movement during testing, due to contact with the windshield for stability.

Innovation Solution

A steering wheel alignment apparatus featuring a sensor to measure angular position, a body with an anchor and weighted portion that self-centers at the steering wheel's low portion without contacting other vehicle components, and a pivotable hook for secure engagement, ensuring stability and accurate measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the steering alignment tool is positioned at an upper portion of the steering wheel and contacts the windshield for stability, then the stability of the alignment tool is improved, but the steering wheel rotation and movement are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of alignment toolVSAvoidsteering wheel movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment tool transitions from contacting the windshield (external dimension) to engaging with the steering wheel itself (intrinsic dimension). The J-shaped anchor portion engages the lower portion of the steering wheel, repositioning the stabilization mechanism from an external reference point to an intrinsic feature of the steering wheel, eliminating interference with windshield movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment tool is extracted from its dependency on the windshield for stability. By removing the windshield contact requirement and replacing it with engagement of the steering wheel's lower portion through the J-shaped anchor, the tool becomes self-contained and does not interfere with other vehicle components during steering wheel rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the steering alignment tool has a high center of gravity, then the stability is improved, but the steering wheel is inadvertently rotated out of position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of alignment toolVSAvoidsteering wheel alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the alignment tool at the upper portion of the steering wheel (high center of gravity), the invention inverts the approach by engaging the lower portion through the J-shaped anchor. This inversion lowers the center of gravity and reverses the stabilization mechanism from top-down support to bottom-up engagement, preventing inadvertent rotation while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The weighted portion of the alignment tool acts as a counterweight that biases the sensor housing toward the lower portion of the steering wheel. This counterbalancing mechanism ensures the tool remains stable in its inverted configuration while preventing rotation that would compromise alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the steering alignment tool contacts the windshield, then the stability is improved, but other vehicle parts are interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of alignment toolVSAvoidinterference with vehicle parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment tool is extracted from its interaction with the windshield and other external vehicle components. By redesigning the engagement mechanism to contact only the steering wheel's lower portion through the J-shaped anchor, the tool eliminates harmful interactions with other parts while maintaining its stabilization function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus provides stable and accurate steering wheel alignment by preventing movement and rotation issues, allowing for precise inclination measurement without interfering with other vehicle parts, such as the windshield.

Implementation Method 1

a weighted portion extends from the anchor portion to bias the sensor housing toward the low portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10760905B2Steering wheel alignment apparatus for aligning a vehicular steering wheel

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 FORD MOTOR CO

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed toward a steering wheel alignment apparatus that includes a sensor, a sensor housing, an anchor portion, and a weighted portion. The sensor is configured to measure an angular position of the steering wheel. The sensor housing defines a cavity to hold the sensor. The anchor portion extends from the sensor housing and is configured to engage with a low portion of a steering wheel. The weighted portion extends from the anchor portion to bias the sensor housing toward the low portion.